Mount Angel Seminary Admissions

Greetings from Mount Angel Seminary!

As we mark our 125th anniversary as “a school of the Lord’s service,” we have much for which to be to be grateful and much to celebrate. Founded and sustained by the monks of Mount Angel Abbey, we have now become the oldest and the largest Catholic seminary in the western United States and have been privileged to educate and form thousands of priests – and many religious and lay men and women, too – with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ for service to His people in nearly 100 dioceses and religious communities across the country and around the world. And we are delighted that you are interested in becoming part of that tradition. If you have any questions or we can be of service, please do not hesitate to contact us – and let us continue to pray for one another as well.

Rev. Msgr. Joseph Betschart, STL, President-Rector

Mount Angel Seminary is primarily dedicated to the formation and education of candidates for the Roman Catholic Priesthood. Therefore, all seminary students require the sponsorship of a Diocesan Bishop or Religious Superior. To acquire this endorsement, please contact the vocation director of the diocese or community for which you wish to study.

All applicants are expected to complete an extensive screening process. A checklist is provided below to aid the applicant through the process of compiling the completed application packet, including medical health forms and a psychological assessment guide. Once the application is complete, an on-site interview will be arranged with the Admissions Board as the final step in the process.

Local students who are not candidates for the priesthood but are interested in study at Mount Angel should refer to the section at the bottom of this page for lay student admissions.

Official Transcripts. Request official transcripts from all secondary and post-secondary schools attended. Copies will not be accepted. Applicants should request two sets of official transcripts in sealed envelopes (one set for the (arch)diocese/religious community, the other for the seminary.)

Recommendation Questionnaire. Have each of your references fill out this packet and send it directly to Mount Angel Admissions Office. See Page 13 of the Seminary Application.

If applicable, Recommendation from Rector of Former Seminary. If you have attended another seminary please have your former rector fill out a recommendation questionnaire (see previous) and write a recommendation letter.

Typed Autobiography (not to exceed 10 pages) describing: • Chronological history of life of applicant • Relationships with the applicant’s family and other significant people in his life, including romantic involvements. • School achievement. • Social life. • Faith & prayer life with a description of the applicant’s discernment process. • Work experience. • Reasons why the applicant is applying to Mount Angel Seminary.

A Recent Photograph (email submission preferred) of the applicant. Please submit a photo that is passport quality and size.

Once all the above required documentation is received, the applicant will be scheduled for an on-site interview with the Admissions Board. At this time the applicant is an official candidate and will be assessed for admissions to Mount Angel Seminary.

Criminal Background Check (This will be done by the seminary at the time of the interview).

Mount Angel’s theological curricula provide an excellent basis for Christian ministry. During the past decade, for example, almost all of our over 160 M.Div. recipients (nearly half of whom also received an M.A. qualification) obtained employment related to their degree within a year of their ordination.

Financial Information

The charges for tuition, room, board and fees for seminarians, as well as the costs for lay students, are published in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the Academic Catalog. These amounts are subject to change as they reflect the current fees at time of publishing.

Financial Aid Calculator

Mount Angel Seminary is pleased to provide an online Net Price Calculator for new undergraduate students to assist you with calculating your “estimated” educational cost and your estimated scholarship and aid package. Please be advised that the calculator is for estimating purposes only. Final eligibility for aid is subject to student completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), meeting eligibility requirements and availability of funds. Contact the Financial Aid Officer for additional financial aid information.